Wasp Barcode Maker - Manual (Page 12)

There are many different types of barcodes. Each type has its own
symbology, or set of rules. One very familiar barcode symbology is
UPC-A (Universal Product Code-A). UPC-A is fixed length and is
the most common UPC barcode for retail product labeling. It is
seen in most grocery stores across the United States. The
symbology encodes a 12-digit numeric only number. The first six
digits are assigned from the GS1 US in Lawrenceville, New Jersey
(formerly the Uniform Code Council or UCC), the next five digits are
assigned by the manufacturer, and the final digit is a modulo 10
check digit. The nominal height for the UPC-A barcode is one inch.
The reduced size is 80% of the nominal size.
Specifications, or rules, govern the way the bars and spaces are
grouped and whether or not and how numbers are used for each
barcode symbology. Various symbologies have been developed for
particular industries. Some examples are shipping and receiving,
manufacturing, retail, health care, transportation, document
processing and tracking, and libraries.
Choosing a Barcode Symbology
As a general rule, the business you are in and the need you have
for a barcode will determine the type of barcode you would use.
Some symbologies, such as UPC, are used for retail product
labeling and are licensed to the user by a third party. Code 3 of 9 is
the most popular of all the symbologies and is recommended for
first-time users. Please refer to Symbologies Supported in
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Wasp Barcode Maker Quick Start Guide